Jump back into Jumping

For those of you slackers who didn't read my previous(and awesome) post on Jumping(allow me to provide the link for you to read it) (http://www.barnmice.com/profiles/blogs/the-art-of-jumpig don't mind the spelling), here is another one, except we shall cover the riders of some magnificent equine jumpers(those of you who've read anything I've written from day one and those who know my know Beezie will be mentioned). The horses do a lot of work, that's a given, Cortes C is an impressive jumper and a good one too. Rothchild isn't half-stepping as he and McLain Ward clear oxers like a pro(Oh. Wait. He is a pro). Even the fresh Reed Kessler is making a name for herself. Reed Catherine Kessler is an American show jumping competitor from in Lexington, Kentucky. At 18(21 now) years old, Kessler qualified for the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the youngest rider in Show Jumping history to ever compete at the Games. She's doing quite well as a rider. Being that young and on the US Show Jumping Olympic Team is a dream any girl would want, regardless of what discipline they did. Here's Some info on sweet little Reed(courtesy of my hero, Google):

Olympic Experience:

2012 Olympic Games, 6th place in team show-jumping

Career Highlights:

Won the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Championship at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival
2012, President's Cup Grand Prix champion
2012, USEF National Show Jumping Championship champion
2010, Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships bronze medalist

Fun Facts: Out of the saddle, Kessler serves as a JustWorld International Ambassador ... In her first year of being eligible to jump in the senior ranks, Kessler tied with legendary Margie Engle to share the 2012 USEF National Show Jumping Championship title ... In 2009, she was a three-time winner of the WIHS Equitation Classic at the Winter Equestrian Festival. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j3cig3QglSIKessler,you rock.

But Beezie is still awesome as a veteran Jumper for the Olympic Team. Here's her bio..Olympic Experience:

2004 Olympic Games, gold medal in team jumping
2008 Olympic Games, gold medal in team jumping, bronze medal in individual jumping

Career Highlights:

1989 United States Olympic Committee’s Female Equestrian of the Year
Team and individual silver medals at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany
2010, Madden teamed up with Coral Reef Via Volo to win the $75,000 Equine Couture/Tuff Rider Grand Prix

Fun Facts: Madden is the first woman to pass the $1 million mark in earning for show jumping ... She has been riding since the age of three and made her grand prix debut in 1985 ... Married since 1998, Madden and her husband, horseman John Madden, reside in Cazenovia, NY. See how awesome Beezie is? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=14nX71vmHlo

Ah, but McLain Ward is good too. And he likes to shoot some hoops. Versatile.Olympic Experience:

2012 Olympic Games, tied for 6th in team, tied for 29th in individual
2008 Olympic Games, gold in team event, 6th in individual
2004 Olympic Games, gold in team event

Career Highlights:

Two-time Olympic champion (2004, 2008-team with Sapphire)
2011 Pan American Games, gold (team with Antares F)
2009 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final, 2nd (with Sapphire)
2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, silver (team with Sapphire)

Fun Facts: McLain's hobbies include playing golf and basketball

I watched a competition with McLain Ward and Rothchild, their score and time was perfect and he had the only horse that appeared quiet and to be enjoying what he was doing. Perfect harmony. This isn't the one I watched but I like this performance just as much. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zt7Bxy54rno

The horse has a fairly big job on his hands(hooves) when jumping as he does all the work basically. But as the rider it's your job to guide the horse, keep a steady hand and head and maintain your seat so as not to fall or throw the horse off. I imagine it's also a bit nerve wrecking sometimes to see those massive jumps and the prize at stake. You need to be relaxed so your horse remains relaxed and you also need to be in a excellent partnership. It's a strenuos feat that, when perfected,is beautiful to watch. (top left, Reed Kessler, Mclain Ward, right, Beezie Madden)